Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has called a 24-hour total shutdown across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district following a series of strikes in Chassad, Kamjong, Yaolen and Ukhrul. The shutdown came into effect at 6 pm on Saturday in response to alleged incursions by Tangkhul and Liangmei elements linked to the NSCN-IM, according to the committee.
CoTU leaders said the shutdown was necessary to address security threats to civilians and prevent further escalation of tensions over territorial issues. Condemning the recent violence, the committee urged the state government to intervene immediately to protect vulnerable communities.
The organisation also appealed to residents, businesses and transport operators to comply with the shutdown and maintain public order during the period.
Meanwhile, a coalition of Kuki civil society organisations, including the Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF), condemned the recent deaths and called for a formal murder investigation and judicial inquiry into the alleged actions of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel and police.
The organisations also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of volunteers detained from Chassad village. They further called for the deployment of neutral central security forces to protect Kuki settlements in the border areas.
Separately, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum (Delhi and NCR) sought an impartial, time-bound investigation into the death of a local woman identified as Domkhonei, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
The forum also appealed to the authorities to provide comprehensive humanitarian, psychological and financial assistance to her five surviving children.
Expressing concern over the safety of civilians amid the prolonged conflict in Manipur, the organisation called for stronger security arrangements in the Chassad area, where reports of gunfire and arson have heightened tensions.